GM bringing Siri integration to 2013 Spark and Sonic compacts

Chevy beats BMW, Mercedes to the punch on promised "Siri button."

Enlarge / Chevy's 2013 Spark and Sonic compact cars will let drivers ask Siri to perform simple tasks while keeping their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.

Steve Fecht for Chevrolet

At the Los Angeles International Auto Show on Tuesday, General Motors announced that two of its smallest cars will be the first to feature integration with Apple's Siri "intelligent personal assistant." The company will launch the 2013 Chevrolet Spark minicar and 2013 Chevrolet Sonic subcompact with Chevrolet MyLink infotainment systems, which connect to iPhones via Bluetooth. Using a steering wheel-mounted button, drivers will be able to ask Siri for directions, to send messages, or to play songs via iTunes.

When Apple announced iOS 6 this past summer, former Senior Vice President of iOS Software Scott Forstall said that several automakers would be adding "Siri buttons" to their cars in the coming year. BMW, GM, Jaguar, Mercedes, and Honda would integrate with Siri, allowing drivers to operate their iPhones hands-free with built-in Bluetooth voice capabilities. In addition, drivers can activate a "eyes-free" mode, which keeps the iPhone's screen from activating and tempting users to take your eyes off the road. Instead, Siri will be limited to answering simple inquiries or performing simple actions which don't require user interaction on the screen.

"It says a lot about our commitment to small-car customers that Chevrolet has announced that Siri Eyes Free capability will be available in the Spark and Sonic well before the luxury brands," said Cristi Landy, Chevrolet marketing director for small cars, said in a statement.

Among the things drivers can ask Siri to do while connected to the MyLink system:

Make voice-activated, hands-free calls to saved contacts

Play songs in the iTunes library and switch music sources automatically from AM/FM/XM radio to iPod mode

Compose and send an iMessage or text message to a phone number or any saved contacts

Access Calendar and add appointments and reminders

Answer simple questions such as game scores or the dates of national holidays

The 2013 Spark and Sonic are expected to arrive in dealer showrooms "early next year." The Chevy MyLink system is standard on Spark LT models, and Sonic LTZ and new turbo RS models, though it can be added as an option on entry-level models. Interestingly, MyLink does not include a CD player; instead, it "operates by integrating the owner’s compatible smartphone and stored media."